There's lots to do to get ready for our annual Harvest Festival, which will be noon to 5 p.m. on September 30. Preparation activities are half the fun. Take your pick, sign up in church so organizers know how many to expect, and enjoy working alongside old and new friends.

• Wed, Sep 5, 9:30 am  Wash dishes, clean kitchen
• Thur, Sep 6, 9:30 am  Clean kitchen (if needed)
• Mon, Sep 10, 6:00--7:30 pm  Cut bread for stuffing
• Wed, Sep 12, 9:00 am  Peel potatoes
• Wed, Sep 13, 6:00--8:00 pm  Make stuffing
• Mon, Sep 24, 10:00 am  Make sauerkraut relish
• Mon, Sep 24, 6:30 pm  Set up booths
• Thur, Sep 27, 6:00--8:30 pm  Carve turkeys
• Sat, Sep 29, 9:00 am--12:00 pm  Mash potatoes
• Sat, Sep 29, 9:00 am--2:00 pm  Final prep
• Sun, Sep 30, 10 am--5 pm  Final prep & Festival
• Sun, Sep 30, 4:30--6:30 pm  Clean up (6th grade+ & adults)
• Mon, Oct 1, 9:00 am  Clean up (men especially needed)

Those who work during the Festival dinner and need to eat before the first shift will be served dinner at 11:30 am if you are in the Parish Center by that time. Seating for all other ticket-holders begins at noon upstairs in the church.

Other opportunities to contribute to the Harvest Festival include

• Create and donate a Bountiful Basket with a minimum value of $25. Wrap the basket in clear cellophane; note the basket name, contents, value, and donor name; and drop it off at the parish office back porch or Parish Center. For more info contact Mary Ann Galenas (570.586.9129).
• Serve as a waiter (High school age and above) or bus tables (8th grade and older, or accompanied by an adult); sign up in church.
• Donate $5 for a pie: enclose in an envelope marked "Harvest Festival Pies" and place in the collection basket.
• Bake a pie, cake, bread, cookies, or other goodies for the baked goods stand; notify Annette Tancredo (570.254.6906) of your intention.
• Donate a wreath or wall hanging for that booth; let Kathy Horan (570.254.6476) know and leave your creation or purchased decor in the Parish Center.
• Sponsor food expenses
  • Green beans ($100)
  • Liquid eggs ($100)
  • Turkey ($200)
  • Sauerkraut ($150)
  • Cranberries ($100)
  • Onions ($75)

As you can see, there are many ways to contribute to the success of the Harvest Festival, and any one of them will connect you with our community. So pick what suits your talents and calendar, sign up, and come on out.